(Cairo) – Israel and Hamas began indirect talks on a new border deal for the blockaded Gaza Strip as a ceasefire ending their month-long war entered its second day. Israel has said it wants Hamas to disarm, or at least ensure it cannot re-arm, before considering the group’s demand that the territory’s borders be opened. Israel and Egypt imposed a closure after the Hamas takeover of Gaza in 2007.
The indirect talks are being held in Cairo, with Egyptian mediators shuttling between the delegations. Disarming Hamas tops the list of Israeli demands presented in a meeting with Egyptian mediators, said an Egyptian security official.
The Israeli delegation has since left for Israel but was to return to Cairo later on Wednesday, the official added.
